Poet Vaali's words comes to life when A R Rahman himself sings them on Coke Studio @ MTV S03E01. Though I found the tune very likeable from very first listen (due to touch of sound like Lucky Ali's songs). I didn't understand a single word, because the song being in Tamil. And that left me puzzled why everyone who understood the words, are in love with the song. As always, fellow Rahmaniac @madhavanrajan comes to rescue who was kind enough to post the translation on ARRFansGroup. Thanks to him, I am in love with this wonderful poem.

To put it very straight in the first sentence itself - I loved Chennai Express ! (So that you can decide to continue reading or not). Whenever there was a talk about Rohit's movies, I used to call them 'Shitty' movies. There were many reasons for believing that. Till date the only movie I liked of him was Sunday. Bol Bachchan was after all a remake, hence it was passable because it had tried and tested storyline.

What works here in Chennai Express is its stars. Tons of material has already been written about fall of SRK by doing this 'silly' movie. But hey ! This IS after all a Bollywood movie. A super masala entertainer that doesn't go for realism, antique frames or technically perfect. It is made for entertaining the audience and it does. Then why not SRK - the biggest entertainer of the country? (And no, my Aamir-bhakti is being deviated when I am saying this ;)). He charms you yet again when wearing those shades giving hand to the girl trying to catch a train. He charms you yet again when after saying I Love You, that cheeky smile he throws and girl is flattered. He goofs about his own movies. Yes, this is what SRK is all about. And for this movie - either him or no one else. Talking about irreplaceable one - Deepika is definitely the one too in CE. Though in safe zone she is, playing a Tamil girl, but sure it must have been tough getting everything right. And she shines through each frame. From looking drop dead gorgeous, to acting perfectly to the T. At places she reminds of Geet (after all, she has become iconic for 'free girl' portrayal), but leaves her own mark. Both, together, look great on screen. I would totally vote for a love story starring them together.

Despite of being a movie about South India, thankfully Rohit Shetty has stayed away from making cheap laughs out of it. The situational fun is very valid throughout the movie. Though there are garish, loud moments (a la Shetty) but being few and far between, it doesn't harm much. No forwarded sms jokes, no homophobic jokes, no dual meaning jokes - Thank You Rohit for keeping your dialogue writer in check. Picturised beautifully in Konkan, each frame is so colorful, though overdone, everything on screen looks lovely-celebratory feel. Contemplated by a fine soundtrack by Vishal-Shekhar, songs are fun. Specifically, Titli and Kashmir Mein has FANTASTIC visuals. Loved how they are picturised. And those majestic shots of Doodhsagar falls and Rameswaram.

Love SRK? You should see this. Hate SRK? You must see this. Yes its that kind of movie which you can't miss out if you are looking for fun ride.

Another FANTASTIC fusion. Taking this time, the famous 'Minds without fear' by Rabindranath Tagore. Translating the same poem and making it as a second stanza, by Prasoon Joshi. Flawless classical vocals of Suchi and whoa ! Finale rap by Blaaze and Sivamani. This track, a true delight. Wait ! And bass guitar by Mohini Dey ! Killer stuff.

Here are the lyrics and translation. Note that I haven't translated the Hindi part as it is the translation of Bengali lines after all. And yes, feel free to correct me !

Thanks to this blog for original poem translation. Thank you A R Rajib on ARRFansGroup for correcting Bengali lyrics.

Where the clear stream of reason and thoughts
has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand
of lowly habits and deeds,
Where the velour is not divided in 1000 different streams,
where all the deeds, emotions are blissful given by you.

Sung by Nepalese singer Ani Choying Dolma, Jordanian Farah Siraj and a wonderful chorus, Zariya composed by A R Rahaman, is such a wonderful song, you can't stop getting goosebumps at each twist in the tune. Brilliant fusion.

Thanks to Google, here is my effort to translate the lyrics. Any correction, please do let me know.